Food habits
It is time we should bring about substantial changes in our lifestyle with regard to food habits particularly amongst marginal and vulnerable groups. Indeed, there has been a worldwide food grain and cereal shortage. Global climate change has an adverse effect leading to sea level rise, increase in floods, cyclones, tornadoes, drought and loss of biodiversity. Many factors including climatic changes resulted in unprecedented price escalation. We have witnessed over the last one or two years unprecedented political turmoil, flash floods and devastating effects of cyclone Sidr resulting in totally chaotic consumer market scenario. Misdistribution of fertiliser and/or pesticides, too much profiteering by the middlemen and increased cost of transportation have certainly contributed to the unaffordable price of rice, ata and edible oil.
The long-term prospect even seems to be gloomy. All the rivers are silted up and the irrigation systems are gradually becoming unworkable because of low water level during the lean season. The cycle of drought, hunger and poverty are perpetuated by successive onslaughts of flash floods mercilessly washing away households, cattle and the poultry. Before long term measures are undertaken, we may motivate our vulnerable population to look for alternative sources of calorie; for example, potatoes and maize. We should look for cheaper markets for rice and edible oils.
I think, the need of the hour is to hold a dialogue between nutritionists, economists, policy makers, social workers, NGOs and the government officials. Effective, flawless short-term measures are earnestly solicited without delay to minimize the human sufferings.
I hope The Daily Star will take the lead in this direction and include amongst others Prof. Yunus and Shaikh Siraj.
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